Abu'd-Darda' reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "Shall I tell you a degree better than prayer, fasting and sadaqa?" "Yes," they replied. He went to say, Improving a state of friendship. Causing discord in a state of friendship is what shaves things away."
Hadith Text
Abu'd-Darda' reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "Shall I tell you a degree better than prayer, fasting and sadaqa?" "Yes," they replied. He went to say, "Improving a state of friendship. Causing discord in a state of friendship is what shaves things away."
Reference: Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 391
Commentary on the Superiority of Reconciliation
This profound hadith from Imam Bukhari's "Al-Adab Al-Mufrad" reveals the immense spiritual value of reconciling between people. The Prophet ﷺ explicitly states that mending broken relationships holds a higher degree than fundamental acts of worship like prayer, fasting, and charity.
The scholars explain that while prayer and fasting are individual acts of devotion, reconciliation serves the collective good of the Muslim community. It preserves social harmony, prevents enmity, and fulfills the Quranic command to "make peace between believers" (Quran 49:9). The act of bringing hearts together is so beloved to Allah that it transcends even these pillars of worship in certain contexts.
The Destructive Nature of Discord
The Prophet's ﷺ warning that "causing discord in a state of friendship is what shaves things away" employs powerful imagery. Just as a razor completely removes hair, discord utterly destroys the fabric of relationships, communities, and spiritual rewards.
Classical commentators note that this "shaving" metaphor indicates the comprehensive destruction caused by strife - it erases good deeds, severs family ties, breaks Muslim brotherhood, and eliminates blessings from society. The one who sows discord commits a major sin that negates the very foundation of Islamic social conduct.
Practical Implementation
The scholars emphasize that this teaching requires Muslims to actively seek reconciliation whenever conflicts arise. This includes mediating between family members, neighbors, business partners, and community members.
True friendship improvement involves overlooking minor faults, forgiving mistakes, giving sincere advice with wisdom, and always assuming the best about fellow Muslims. The successful believer is one who builds bridges rather than burns them, following the Prophetic example of being a mercy to all creation.